Are you supporting a family member or friend with an anxiety disorder?
This can be a stressful, overwhelming and isolating experience. Here is some more information to help you understand what your loved one is going through and how to help yourself.
What is Anxiety?
People experiencing anxiety tend to worry about many things each day and can be consumed with worry over a variety of issues from social engagements to financial or safety concerns. People who experience this are usually aware that they worry far too much and wish desperately that they could stop worrying to help improve the quality of their daily life.
For a person to be diagnosed with Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD), meaning the condition is perceived to be a ‘disorder’ instead of a ‘universal human emotion’, they must experience this heightened anxious state on most days for at least 6 months.
Other common anxiety disorders are Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), social phobia, panic disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), hypochondriasis and somatoform disorder. Separation anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and social anxiety disorder are also common types of this mental health condition. Specific therapy and treatment exist for all types of Anxiety.
Symptoms of Anxiety
- Constant thoughts that something bad is about to happen
- Constant worry that they are not doing things correctly
- Constantly asking questions and seeking reassurance
- Perfectionism
- Being argumentative, especially if they are trying to avoid a feared situation
- Dwelling on mistakes and worrying about a change in routine and unfamiliar places
- Dry mouth and difficulty swallowing
- Nightmares and sleep disturbances
- Restlessness, irritability and difficulty concentrating
- Muscle tension and headaches
- Rapid heart rate and breathing
- Panic attacks
- Sweating
- Trembling
- Diarrhoea
What causes Anxiety?
Anxiety can be a result of external circumstances such as relationship problems with a partner, family or friends, work-related stress, loss of job, financial problems, loss of a loved one and any other challenging situation that life may bring. It can also be caused by specific phobia and other medical conditions.
Anxiety can also be a side-effect of certain medications, or a by-product of a physical illness, chronic condition, disability or traumatic event. Some people may have a genetic disposition for anxiety if mental health disorders are present in the family or because they grew up around anxious people. It is advised to work with a health professional such as a counsellor to uncover the root-cause of the anxiety.
Treatments of Anxiety
Anxiety has been described as one of the most treatable of all mental health conditions – full recovery is possible. To treat anxiety, there are several treatment options available and most include:
- Psychological therapy: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) has proven to be most effective for general anxiety as it focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviours
- Medications such as anti-depressants
- Relaxation therapy and deep breathing exercises
- Self-help and support groups, as people discover they are not alone and may find support in other people with similar issues
There is no cure for Anxiety.
Yes, there is.
The section above has information about treatment options.
Anxiety is genetic.
Incorrect.
Although it’s true that some people have a genetic disposition, a lot of anxiety is caused by negative thinking patterns and ‘learned’ behaviour, which can be changed.
How to help your loved one
The best way to help someone experiencing a mental health challenge or illness is to provide them with the professional medical help they need. Often, we have a strong desire to ‘fix’ or ‘solve’ someone else’s problem, however this is not your role and should be left to a mental health professional. The best thing you can do is to help them find an appropriate service though a GP, a mental health phone line or by searching for mental health services online.
How to help yourself
Having someone close to you who lives with mental health challenges can be exhausting, frustrating, confusing and isolating. But you don’t have to go through it alone.
HelpingMinds® offers free and confidential support to people who are caring for someone living with mental health challenges. We offer free counselling, support groups, rest and revive activities, school holiday programs, family programs, youth programs and advocacy to people living in WA.
Get Support from HelpingMinds®
Would you like to know more about free and confidential mental health carer services and how we can support you? Please feel free to contact HelpingMinds® via the form below or on (08) 9427 7100. For one of our team to get back to you, we will require your email address and/or phone number. Please know all information provided will be treated completely confidential and in line with our privacy policy.
